The Portland daily press., 1887-01-04

Reference is made 10 the register and
records Of department, and they are found
to correspond with the statements made.
"wen, Thomas, we think you have done first
ra te while you have been here. Now what re-
Il want to see Il you will please let me go
"But are you not contented here?'
"Well. yes; but want to go home. You told
me the first time came here TO see you, when
was In the second class, that II would behave
myself properly, mind the officers and learn my
lessons, and do my work well, and get into the
first class and in honor, when l reached hrst
class and been here two years you would let me
"Then, Thomas. you think you have earned
your diseharge?"
"Yes, sir, I have tried to-"
After congratulating him and his honest
efforts in trying to do right, he Is told ne
may 90 home as soon as the superintendent
can have a good freedom suit OF clothes
made for him, and he retires happy and
hopeful boy.
MECHANICAL SCHOOL.
The introduction Of a mechanical school
IN reformatory institution has been con
sidered something of an experiment. But,
in our judgment, the results here attained
fully justify the wisdom Of the Legislature
in establishing this labor-teaehing depart
ment. There is no doubt but that boy may
acquire a more systematic knowledge OF
carpentry in well taught mechanical school
in three months time than he would In an
ordinary carpenters shop In as many years.
In the former he Is Systematically taught;
while In the latter he Is as systematically
kept at work upon that which will best
pay. The knowledge here acquired by the
boys before leaving the school gives TO them
wider and more intelligent choice OF pur-
suits and furnishes them additional protec-
ti0n.
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION.
Religious instruction by clergymen and
IA Ia
pensed TO the inmates every Sabbath. 1t
has been suggested that IL would be better TO
have the boys instructed in a special religious
faith Of the different denominations to which
they may In some way have been connected
before coming to the school. But such has
not been the practice in this school; and we
believe that the present practice Is best cal
culated to promote harmony in the school,
and is productive Of the best good to all con-
cerned We deem 1t wrong to attempt to
unsettle the faith of any religious sect. or TO
attempt to promote the peculiar faith Of any
sect; but respect the religious belief and
convictions.
We invite and welcome all prudent teach
ers OF any denomination to address the in
mates and impress OF them the duty of God
illness in relation to the life that now is, and
Of that which is to come.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE LEGISLATURE.
The boys dining room is still subject for
criticism, and should at once be thoroughly
repaired and so changed as to give it more
cheerful aspect. 1t Is estimated that an out
lay OF $1,000 win do this. All other needed
repairs, including the painting Of the build
ings, can be done within the usual annual
appropriation Of $1,000 for general repairs.
The so called Coleman farm" containing
about twenty acres with small dwelling
house and barn, can be purchased for s2400.
This farm joins the school property and
would be of great value TO the Institution.
To erect one cottage suitable for the accom-
mediation Of family school Of forty boys
will cost at least $4,000.
Upon the basis of the foregoing statements
the trustees would recommend the following
appropriations for 1888 and 1888:
FOR THE YEAR 1887.
For current expenses including Mechan-
lcal schooi. $4,000
To alter and repair boys dining r0om.... 1000
For purchase OF Coleman farm ........... 24OO
To erect cottage for family school...... 10000
Total sa1 400
FOR THE YEAR 1888.
For current expenses, including Mechan-
lcal ScDOOl $4,000
Gencfdl repairs. Z,OOO